Well, The University of Memphis' Ground Water Institute is out there getting their feet wet. The institute is offering its expertise and assistance to the "Water Works" exhibit, part of the Memphis Children's Museum's $4.7 million makeover to be unveiled sometime next spring.
The project has been in progress for almost two years now. Randy Gentry, associate director of the Ground Water Institute, came into the picture just lately, but said the community has been in need of such a program for a while.
"It's part of our interactive outreach and education," Gentry said.
"Water Works" is one of four new sectors under construction. It will remain at the museum permanently and cover every drop -- from energy to transportation to the flow of the mighty Mississippi, Gentry said. Ecology, conservation and pollution were not left out.
"People are drawn to water," said Judy Caldwell, executive director of the Memphis Children's Museum.
The museum has turned to The University for ways to perfect the science of the exhibit, and for ways to sneak in some learning for the kids as well.
Jerry Anderson, director of the Ground Water Institute, said they're responsible for adding the ground water element to the exhibit.
Together, they have taken a hands-on approach along with an ecological perspective, according to Caldwell.
"This is definitely the most exciting thing we've had in a while," Caldwell said. "It's going to be something whimsical and fun."
The exhibit will house a 35-foot display of the Mississippi River -- including levies and dams -- and the kids will even have a chance to brave a storm.
"There will be a place to make it rain," Caldwell said.
This part of the exhibit is shaped similar to one in the Indianapolis museum, Caldwell said. Children can get their raincoats and step into a glass booth where at the touch of a button, a heat- generated cloud will open up and rain pour down.
With Gentry's knowledge and assistance, kids can be shown how to move water, notice silt and other elements present and moreover, how to conserve and preserve.
When asked how kids will be able to see their effect on flows of supply and preservation Caldwell pointed out "oil in the streets running into storm drains down to doing the dishes and brushing your teeth."
Much strong support has been noticed thus far, said Caldwell, and everything has been working well.
"We're really interested in their ideas, and they have just been great," Caldwell said.
Whether it be water or one of three other new exhibits at the museum (flight, fitness and arts), Gentry said public education is important.
"It starts with the kids," Gentry said.
